Internship Program Guide for Building Science Majors

Internship Program Guide

for

Building Science Majors

Department of Technology + Environmental Design

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

www.tec.appstate.edu

Student Information for TEC 4900 Internship

Benefits of an Internship

The general purpose of an undergraduate internship is to give you practical experience applying the theory and content of course work in your field.

Intern Compensation

Although no monetary value can be placed on the value of the education and experience afforded by the employer, most interns are paid during their internship. The intern's salary is a personal matter between the student and employer.

Academic Credit

Students may receive 6 hours credit for an internship in the Building Science program. The grade received will be S/U

(Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory). Be certain you and your employer reach an understanding concerning your time commitment. Generally speaking, Interns must work a minimum of 40 hours on the job for every one semester hour of internship credit (240 hours total).

Steps for enrolling in an internship

1. You are responsible for securing a suitable internship position with an employer in a field related to your program. Placements that are unrelated to the content area, that include family member supervisors, or that are done from home will not be considered suitable for the internship experience. Internships may not be conducted simultaneously with other semester coursework without approval by the Building Science Program Coordinator. Summer internships must be completed no later than the last day of Second Session of Summer School.

2. Construction Management Concentration Internships must include management-related activities, such as estimating, planning and scheduling, code review and inspections, subcontractor coordination, construction administration, and building performance. No manual labor, such as framing, clean-up, or other physical construction activities will count towards internship hours. Architectural Technology and Design Concentration Internships must include design-related activities, such as site assessment, client research, precedent studies, architectural design, master planning, construction drawings, specifications, and building performance. No manual labor, such as framing, clean-up, or other physical construction activities will count towards internship hours.

4. Write a 2-page internship proposal (typed, double-spaced) that includes: a. A short description of the employer and setting.

b. A brief overview of the tasks you’ll engage in during the internship.

c. A listing of your objectives for this internship (i.e., statements about what you hope to gain or your desired outcomes). d. Submit the 2-page proposal to your advisor or the program coordinator for review before completing the final forms. e. Review the final draft of the 2-page proposal with your employer to reach an understanding of the internship expectations. 5. Complete the forms and include your signature. Once all forms are complete, submit your internship packet to the Director of the Building Science program, who must approve the internship placement by creating a University Internship Contract. Once approved, the contract will be emailed to you and will need to have your signature as well as your employer’s signature. to the Department Chair’s office for final approval. Upon final approval by the Chair, you will be automatically registered for TEC 4900 Internship (pending no holds on your student account). You will not be enrolled in Internship hours until you turn in a completed, signed form and proposal, which must include:

a. The Building Science Student Internship form (signed by)

b. The 2-page internship proposal of your objectives, position, and employment conditions c. Signed course requirement statement (signed by student intern)

d. A detailed map of directions to your internship site

e. A university contract, which will be emailed to you upon completion of the previous items. The contract must be signed by you and your employer, then submitted to the Department Chair’s office.

Course Requirement Statement

To receive academic credit, interns must:

1. Treat the internship as you would any job: be punctual, be conscientious about completing your work to the best of your abilities, and communicate regularly with your supervisor(s).

2. Maintain a daily work log, typed in Microsoft Word, that describes your tasks for the day and any highlights, issues, or problems encountered.

3. At the end of each week, submit to your university supervisor a weekly written summary of the week’s work. This should be typed as a Word document and written with attention to grammar and spelling, with your name and the date clearly indicated at the top of the page. Note that you will be given a series of discussion questions/prompts to address in each weekly summary. Weekly summaries will be considered confidential communications and will not be shared with your employer.

4. Exhibit professionalism in all email and/or telephone communications with your university supervisor. Emails should include a salutation (for example, “Dear Prof. X,”) and be written using standard, business English. Include a closing phrase and your name at bottom (for example, “Sincerely, Jane Doe”).

5. Approximately halfway through your internship, have your employer complete the mid-term evaluation. Your employer should send this evaluation directly to the university supervisor either via fax or by mail.

6. Between the half-way point and the end of the internship, the university supervisor will conduct a site visit or conference call with you and your employer. It is your responsibility to set up the appointment with you, your employer, and the university supervisor.

7. After you have completed your final week on the job, you must prepare and submit a final paper about the internship experience (see assignment guidelines below). This is to be typed, double-spaced, and submitted as part of your internship portfolio.

8. You are responsible for making sure that your employer completes and sends the final evaluation form before the end of the semester.

9. Prepare a formal thank you letter to your employer, thanking him or her for the opportunity.

10. Prepare and submit a final portfolio in a combined PDF file as well as a printed, bound copy, which should be mailed to the instructor’s contact information. The final portfolio should be professionally organized, well written, and well presented; it should include:

a. Professional binding for hard copy b. A well designed cover

c. Table of Contents

d. Tabs and cover sheets of each section/chapter e. Copies of your daily work logs

f. Copies of your weekly summaries

g. Samples of work that illustrate the skills you applied on the job, with explanatory notes, as needed

h. Photographs or other artifacts that help to illustrate the nature and quality of your internship work experience i. A copy of your final paper

j. A copy of your thank you letter to your employer k. A copy of your proposal, forms, and evaluations

By signing below, I am indicating that I understand the requirements of the internship and agree to comply with all requirements. I further understand that not complying with any of these requirements could result in me receiving an unsatisfactory grade for the internship.

Building Science Student Internship Form

Instructions: This form should be submitted as Page 2 of the Internship Proposal. You must fill out and sign this form. Upon approval of your proposal, you must be registered for TEC 4900 before starting work.

Student's Name: _________________________________________________ Banner Id #________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________ State: _________________ Zip: ________________ Home Phone: _________________________________________ Mobile Phone: _________________________________

Email: [email protected]

Academic concentration: __________________________________________ Minor: __________________________________

Status (Circle one): Jr. Sr. GPA: ________

Start Date: _____________________ Finish Date: _______________________ # Hours Credit Sought _________ Emergency Contact Name: __________________________________________________________________________________ Relationship ____________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ Internship Compensation (circle one): Paid Unpaid Pay Rate: _________________per hour or single stipend of _______________ Name of Employing Firm: __________________________________________________________________________ Complete Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Employer's Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Employer's Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Employer's Phone: ( ) _____________________________________ Fax: ( ) ________________________ Employer's e-mail ____________________________________________ Web address: ________________________

By signing below, I am indicating that the information listed above is accurate. I further understand that not providing accurate information could result in not being approved or enrolled for the Internship course.

Student Signature Date

For Official Use Only

Placement Approved: ________________ Application Complete: _____ Final Report: __________________________

Student Permitted ________________ Site Visit: _______________ Final Grade Submission: _________________

Building Science Internship Program Guide for Employers

Thank you for considering hiring an intern from Appalachian State University's Building Science Program. The Internship is a program that provides qualified university students with supervised experience in production, management, research, studio and design activities of modern businesses and industries.

Objectives of the Internship

1. Provide the intern with a relevant, practical educational experience. 2. Provide business or industry with qualified and experienced graduates.

3. Acquaint the intern with the physical, academic, and environmental requirements of his or her chosen field. 4. Develop the intern's ability to search for and find employment in the industry.

Intern Compensation

Students are required to pay tuition for 6 credit hours to enroll in the internship and have approximately 3 years preparation in their chosen field. Therefore, we expect interns to be paid during their internship. At the same time, we recognize the internship as an educational experience afforded by an employer. The intern's salary is a personal matter between the student and his or her employer.

Work Period

During most internships, the student is required to remain full-time employed with one firm for at least six weeks. The requirement is to work a minimum of 40 hours for each credit hour earned (240 hours total). Students who participate in the Internship Program are under no obligation to accept permanent employment with the sponsoring firm or agency. Likewise, the sponsoring firm is not obligated to offer full-time employment to the intern beyond the internship period.

The intern/employer Relationship

In all cases, the intern is considered to be an employee and should be held responsible for performing the assigned duties in a satisfactory manner. All company regulations, conditions of health and safety, and legal requirements apply, and any company violations should be handled in the usual manner. Accordingly, the remuneration should be comparable to other employees of similar experience and seniority doing similar work.

While interning, the student is classified as a student of Appalachian State University and is subject to all applicable University regulations. Thus, there is a student-teacher relationship with the university, as well as an employer-employee relationship with the company. The greater the variety of work experiences afforded the intern, the greater the opportunity for learning. Scheduled job rotations and involvement in special projects are a means for exposing the intern to various experiences during limited employment. An intern can gain much by conferring with persons responsible for some of the major functions of the company, thereby increasing their understanding of "the bigger picture" in their desired profession.

Summary Form

The student intern will request the signature of the employer on an Internship Summary Form. The form is used only by the student and their Faculty Supervisor as a "contract" for academic credit. It is necessary to request a copy of the student's Internship Proposal prior to signing the summary form to make sure there is an understanding of internship objectives.

Evaluations

The evaluation of the intern on the job must be made if the program is to be meaningful. Therefore, the supervisor is asked to submit two evaluations of the intern, one at the midterm and one at the end of the internship. The evaluation forms are included in this document and are to be returned to the instructor of record.

Visitations

Whenever possible, the Faculty Supervisor or other university representative will, at the employer's convenience, arrange for a visit to the intern's work site. When visits are not possible, the Faculty Supervisor will be in communication with both the intern and the employer via phone and/or email.

Professional Liability Insurance

for

Students Enrolled in Internship Courses

Appalachian State University participates in a student insurance program with other constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina. Most, if not all, internship hosts require professional liability insurance prior to a student's participation in an internship or practicum.

Appalachian State University requires coverage for all students enrolled in internship or practicum courses, except student teaching. The insurance policy is issued by General Star Indemnity Company and provides the following coverage limits:

o $1,000,000 each occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damage Claims o $3,000,000 aggregate limit for all Bodily Injury and Property Damage Claims o $50,000 Fire Damage Liability

o $1,000,000 each claim limit for Professional Liability

o $3,000,000 aggregated limit for all Professional Liability Claims

o $10,000 for covered medical expenses, accidental death or dismemberment

Major exclusions include intentional acts; liquor liability; pollution liability, automobile liability; the insured student's property or property of others in the student's care, custody or control; employment practice liability; abuse or molestation;

products/completed operations liability; health care or mental health services; unauthorized hardware or software tampering, viruses, or use; fiduciary liability; and intellectual property liability. The premium for this coverage ($20 per semester or summer session) is charged to each student's account along with other registration fees. A certificate of insurance will be furnished to each student or internship host upon request.

Further information can be obtained by going to the Appalachian State University website at the following address: http://www.registrar.appstate.edu/internship/internship.html The site has the above information plus specific links to Certificate/Policy Information, General Information and Claim Information.

Internship Evaluation for Midterm

Employing Agency: _____________________________________________________________________

Employer Supervisor: __________________________________ Job Title: _________________________

Employer Signature: __________________________________________________ Date ______________

I. Please evaluate the student on the following scales in comparison to other similarly assigned students or personnel, or with respect to achievement of objectives. Respond by circling the number of the r response that most accurately describes the intern.

POOR MARGINAL AVERAGE GOOD EXCELLENT

Interpersonal skills/ Teamwork 1

Not well accepted 2 3 4 Highly cooperative 5

Kept agreements _Slow 1 2 3 4 _{Very timely} 5

Judgment _Poor 1 2 3 4 _Mature 5

Dependability/Reliability _Careless 1 2 3 4 5 _{Highly reliable}

Learning ability _Slow 1 2 3 4 _Rapid 5

Quality of work _Poor 1 2 3 4 _Excellent 5

Integrity _{Untrustworthy} 1 2 3 4 _{Highly Trustworthy} 5

Knowledge of Discipline _{Not competent} 1 2 3 4 _{Very Competent} 5

Appearance / Dress _{Inappropriate} 1 2 3 4 _Appropriate 5

Punctuality _Irregular 1 2 3 4 _Regular 5

Acceptance of Responsibility Takes no 1

responsibility 2 3 4

5

Take responsibility for assignments

Accuracy/Attention to detail _Careless 1 2 3 4 _Meticulous 5

Communications Skills _{Not effective} 1 2 3 4 _Effective 5

Initiative _Poor 1 2 3 4 _Excellent 5

Time Management Always late with 1

assignments 2 3 4

5 All assignments completed on time

Ability to teach others: _Poor 1 2 3 4 _Excellent 5

_____________________ 1 2 3 4 5

Your Assessment of the Intern’s Overall

Internship Evaluation for Midterm

II. Briefly relate this student's strong and/or weak work habits. (Attach additional sheets if necessary)

III. Would you recommend that this student pursue a career related to this experience, and, if so what additional recommendations would your make to better prepare the student for such a career? (Attach additional sheets if necessary)

IV. What special problems affected this student's performance of objectives, such as inappropriate timing of the experience, deficiencies in the student's training, interaction with the university, etc.? (Attach additional sheets if necessary)

V. Additional Comments. (attach additional sheets if necessary)

Has this evaluation been discussed with the student? Yes _____ No _____ PLEASE RETURN TO:

Internship Supervisor Name:______________________________ Appalachian State University

Department of Technology Kerr-Scott Hall, Boone, NC 28608 FAX: 828 265 8696

Final Internship Evaluation

Employment Supervisor’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________________

I. Please comment on the student’s strengths (add sheets if necessary):

II. Based on this student’s performance, what do you perceive as the strengths of Appalachian State University’s Building Science program? (add sheets if necessary)

III. Based on this student’s performance, what do you perceive as the weaknesses of Appalachian State University’s Building Science program? (add sheets if necessary)

IV. Please identify personal or professional areas this student needs to improve (add sheets if necessary):

Overall Assessment of Student Performance: Outstanding

Better than Average Average

Below Average

The Student Gained Nothing From the Experience.

For our information and follow-up, please check all that apply:

I would like to employ more interns from the Department of Technology.

I could employ _____ interns per (circle your preference(s)) Year Semester Summer

I cannot hire more interns because _____________________________________________________ I would like to interview Technology students for a permanent position with my company.

Return completed form to:

Internship Supervisor Name:______________________________ Appalachian State University

Department of Technology + Environmental Design PO Box 32122

Boone, NC 2608-2122

www.tec.appstate.edu Internship Program Guide